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Issues:
1. Challenge to order of learned Magistrate dismissing discharge prayer due to delay in filing proceedings. 2. Violation of right to speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution. 3. Alleged violation of principles of natural justice by the Department. 4. Imposition of penalty under section 271(1)(a) and institution of criminal proceedings under section 276CC. Analysis: 1. The applicants challenged the order of the learned Magistrate, contending that the criminal proceedings against them, initiated after a significant delay, should result in their discharge. The applicants argued that the delay of almost ten years in filing the proceedings violated their right to a speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution. They emphasized that the Department was aware of their alleged offense well before lodging the complaint, as evidenced by the penalty imposed earlier. The delay in instituting criminal proceedings under section 276CC, distinct from the penalty under section 271(1)(a), was deemed unjustified by the applicants. 2. The applicants' counsel asserted that the Department's failure to issue a show-cause notice before lodging the prosecution violated the principles of natural justice. Reference was made to the requirement under section 279 of the Act for the Commissioner to consider various options, including compounding offenses, before initiating proceedings. The counsel highlighted the need for the Department to afford the applicants an opportunity to present their case and potentially explore alternative options before resorting to criminal proceedings. 3. In response, the Department's counsel argued that the imposition of penalty was preceded by a show-cause notice under section 274 of the Act. The Department contended that the penalty order, subsequent appeals, and rejection of those appeals provided sufficient grounds for the Commissioner to conclude that the applicants willfully failed to comply, justifying the prosecution under section 276CC. However, the court found the Department's argument unconvincing due to the distinct provisions governing the penalty and criminal proceedings. 4. The court, while acknowledging the Department's arguments, held that the Commissioner should have provided the applicants with a fresh opportunity to be heard before initiating criminal proceedings under section 276CC. The court emphasized the importance of fairness and due process, especially considering the significant delay between the offense and the institution of criminal proceedings. Consequently, the court allowed the petition, quashed the proceedings before the Magistrate, and directed the Commissioner to consider fresh proceedings only after affording the applicants an opportunity to be heard and issuing a show-cause notice.
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